Effingham, IL– (Effingham Radio)- At approximately 8:30 P.M. on May 30, 2018, Bureau of Patrol Officers were dispatched by Bureau of Communications to the parking lot of Effingham Police Department for a report of a subject who had overdosed on heroin.
Officers who were in the Department completing a separate call for service at the time of the call procured two naloxone kits and immediately responded.
(Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is a medication used to block the effects of opioids, especially in overdose victims.)
Upon arrival, Officers discovered an unresponsive 26 year old male seated in a vehicle.
Witnesses confirmed the individual had ingested heroin, and two doses of naloxone were successfully administered by Officers.
The individual was taken by ambulance to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital for further treatment.
Effingham Officers are provided on-going training with how and when to administer naloxone, and Officers have kits, which are provided by St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, for just such a
situation.
Chief Jeffrey Fuesting praised the fast response and successful efforts of his Officers, stating, “Although we always hope never to have to use our Narcan kits, this incident is a great example of how thorough training, coupled with a partnership with St. Anthony’s Hospital, provides services to our community that go beyond the scope of patrolling. I am very pleased that our Officers were able to quickly and efficiently bring a positive outcome to this situation.”
Chief Fuesting reminds citizens that the Department’s mission is to provide responsive and professional services to our community, and by partnering with businesses and organizations such as St. Anthony’s Hospital, the Department continues to enhance the quality of life in the City of Effingham.